How to type the not equal sign (≠) on a Mac
To type the not equal sign on a Mac, hold Option and press =. That single shortcut works in every app on the US and British layouts. Its neighbours are just as easy: Option + , gives ≤, Option + . gives ≥ and Option + X gives ≈.
Quick answer
Press Option + = to get ≠.
Step by step
Put the cursor in place
Click in the document or text field.
Hold Option
Keep ⌥ Option pressed.
Press equals
Tap the = key, to the left of Delete. The ≠ sign appears.
The whole comparison set
Apple grouped the comparison signs on keys that make sense visually:
| Symbol | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| ≠ | Option + = |
| ≤ | Option + , (the < key) |
| ≥ | Option + . (the > key) |
| ≈ | Option + X |
| ± | Option + Shift + = |
They are easy to learn together, and the full list is in our Mac Option key shortcuts guide.
If Option + = types something else
Check the input source in the menu bar. Layouts such as ABC Extended or U.S. International change some Option combinations, and non-English layouts move the = key. You can always fall back on the Character Viewer: Control + Command + Space, search “not equal” and double-click ≠.
In LaTeX and Markdown maths
If you write maths in LaTeX, Overleaf or a Markdown editor with MathJax, use \neq (or \ne) instead of the typed character. The typed ≠ is right for ordinary text: emails, slides, notes and web pages. On the web you can also write ≠. The not equal sign page has the remaining codes, and the Windows guide helps if you switch between computers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mac shortcut for not equal?
Option + =. It types ≠ in all Mac apps on the US and UK keyboard layouts.
How do I type ≤ and ≥ on a Mac?
Option + , (comma) gives ≤ and Option + . (period) gives ≥.
Does the shortcut work on an iPad keyboard?
Yes. A Magic Keyboard or any hardware keyboard on iPad accepts Option + = for ≠.